#6-Candles

[blue_sniper]

[Bucky's not in the ballroom with everybody else, or whoever decided to go to the ballroom. He's actually sitting in the lobby, with a bunch of candles around him. There's a book of matches next to him, too, since there seems to be a magical draft in here. Thanks, Castle. There also seems to be a wished-up bottle of the worst tasting whiskey in the world and a shot glass.]

Hey, are all of you guys all right? You aren't stuck anywhere, are you? If you want some company [or to keep him company] I'm in the lobby. Can't miss me. There's a ton of candles.

(OOC: You probably know if you're Bucky's friend or not. This is also open to anybody who wants to walk by and see him there.)

Comments

[valuedstrength]

[He's getting a look. Steve can totally protect him from darkness and scary noises!!!]

Something funny. [He frowns.] It got me a shield and an some clothes. I think it's supposed to be for protection but, none of it fits.

1/2 BECAUSE BUCKY CANNOT DEAL

[blue_sniper]

[There is a long pause. A very long pause. Bucky is look at Steve with this exact face.]

2/2

[blue_sniper]

...the Castle gave you your shield?! And your uniform?!

[valuedstrength]

I guess it did. [He didn't know what to make of them.] Everything okay?

[blue_sniper]

...How can it give you something that doesn't exist yet for you? [He pulls out his Christmas present-a picture of them and the Howling Commandos. And yes, he keeps it on him at all times.] I probably shouldn't be showing you this...

[valuedstrength]

[He can't see the portion with Bucky but, Steve doesn't comment on that. Steve looks fascinated all the same.]

We fight with these guys?

[blue_sniper]

Yes. They're the Howling Commandos. [He looks at Steve curiously.] You do see you, right?

[valuedstrength]

[Steve stares a moment later and then... the outfit and shield worn by some really tall guy with blue eyes... oh. Right by the blank spot. That had to be....]

... I got really tall.

[blue_sniper]

Just a bit. [Bucky finally feels validated and like Steve doesn't think he's crazy.] And also extremely strong.

[valuedstrength]

I didn't think it'd work that well. [He's a little overwhelmed bro.]

[blue_sniper]

Of course it worked well. [He wraps his free arm around Steve's shoulders, squeezing him tightly.] It brings out what's on the inside. And you have a lot to bring out.

[valuedstrength]

I never thought I'd see the day you believed in me more than I do. [Steve is quiet a second as he works up to something.]

You ever miss it? Having me like that?

[blue_sniper]

I've always believed in you.

[And that's the question he's been expecting Steve to ask for a long time.] ...yes and no. And before you get all upset, hear me out first. We were fighting together for a year and of course I got used to you. And then I come here, and well, you're small again. It threw me off for a bit. But you're, well...you. And I'd follow you to the ends of the earth.

Though, I have to admit, your new body is more you than your real one ever was. It just...fits. You're happier too. You smile more.

[valuedstrength]

I'm not mad Bucky. You can feel however you want. [His attention is still on the picture.]

It's nice to see that it works. Erksine deserves that much.

[blue_sniper]

It still matters to you, though. Don't tell me it doesn't.

And I'm glad it worked. I don't have to worry about you getting sick and dying anymore. [Because that was a real fear of his.] Or getting worried about some big guy beating you up. Now I just have to worry about you getting shot. Or some dame cornering you and you panicking. [Priorities, Bucky.]

[valuedstrength]

I'll always care about what you think, Bucky. And don't say things like that. [He's serious. It's a sore point with him given what happened to his mother.] I'm not going out like that procedure or no procedure.

[blue_sniper]

Don't mean I still don't worry about it. I know you're too stubborn to ever die, but still, I worry. Possibly too much. [As a result, he rarely worries about himself. It's all thrown towards Steve.]

[valuedstrength]

Don't you think you should be worrying about yourself? I'm not the one with whiskey near an open flame.

[blue_sniper]

I am not going to set myself on fire, Steve. And remember, steadying my nerves? [Actually, he's going to take a shot right now, because he just heard more noises. Steve might be able to tell-his hand is shaking when he pours.]

[valuedstrength]

[Steve is setting his hand on Bucky's arm. He's got that determined look on his face Bucky should be used to by now.]

Bucky, I meant what I said earlier. Whatever is giving you the jitters... [He shakes his head.] I'm not going to let it get you, alright? We're safe here so put the bottle down. It's only going to make things worse.

[blue_sniper]

You can't... It's all in my head, Steve. You can't help me. Every time I hear a sound, every time I see a shadow, it's like I'm strapped to that operating table again. And it'll haunt me everywhere I turn for the rest of my life. [He takes the shot and laughs a bit bitterly.] It already got me, Steve.

[valuedstrength]

Bucky... [It's his turn to hug you bro. He couldn't fix this even if he had super strength and all that other stuff.]

[blue_sniper]

[Bucky lets him hug him, and after a few seconds hugs him back, saying the first thing that comes to his mind with a startled laugh.] I... Isn't it strange, that you're the one that gets a new body and yet, I'm the one who changes the most?

[valuedstrength]

You're still the same man, Bucky. You're just going through some things.

[He wonders how he could help with this.]

[blue_sniper]

[He shakes his head. Steve always did have a talent for understatement.] Steve... I'm not the same person.